Swine Flu Prevention at Beauty Salons

How to Battle H1N1 and Cold Germs at the Salon

Beauty professionals touch more people every day than doctors do. So, with all the concern lately about H1N1 flu and other contagious diseases, you should start adding a swine flu prevention strategy into your daily plans and ask yourself before your next salon visit: "How many things did my hairdresser touch today before she touched me?" And if you're a stylist, the question is even more important.

A Day In The Life of a Hairdresser's Hands:

• This morning, your stylist sold a bottle of hairspray. She and the customer both handled the debit machine.


• The hair products salesman dropped by and shook her hand.


• Then she checked on Mrs Quigley's perm, patting her arm comfortingly.


• Over lunch, she filled in for the receptionist and answered the phone.


• During her cigarette break, she borrowed a co-worker's lighter.


• Then she took the coffee mug her client had been using to the kitchen.


• Her razor was dull so she borrowed one from another stylist.


• Then she invited you to take a seat in her chair without wiping it down.


• She put the cape on you, the same one all her clients had used that day.


• Later, as you stepped down from the chair, she grabbed your hand to steady you.

With all the close contact between stylists and customers, germs can get a free ride. That's why there's a push on to educate salon operators about how to curtail the spread of diseases on their premises.
Here in UK salons are taking steps to combat the spread of the virus by implementing different swine flu prevention strategies.

It's no surprise that hand sanitizer manufacturers are enjoying a booming business these days. Consumers are buying up tons of the stuff believing it can kill the germs that spread viruses like the H1N1 flu. But is it the best strategy?

Germ-Fighting Facts for Salons

Here are the facts about germ control that can help salon owners, stylists and their customers stay healthy:

Hand Washing: Hand washing is always the best method of killing germs. Wash with soap and water and rub for at least 20 seconds before rinsing. And do it often:

• At the start of your shift.


• Before and after each client.


• Before and after eating or smoking.


• After using the restroom.


• After coughing or sneezing.


• After handling soiled salon equipment.

Hand Sanitizers: These should be used to compliment soap and water but should not replace it entirely - they do kill germs but not as thoroughly as washing with soap. And if your hands are visibly dirty, hand sanitizers won't be enough. But having a handy sanitizer installed at every hair station would without a doubt reduce the risk of spread and add value to customer service.

FACTS:"On stainless steel and plastic, the influenza virus can survive 24-48 hours and can be transferred to hands through direct contact for up to 24 hours. On cloth, paper, and tissues - the influenza virus can survive 8-12 hours and can be transferred to hands through direct contact up to 15 minutes."

Disinfect and sanitize Equipment and Surfaces: Clean all surfaces that get touched a lot: work stations, chairs, phones, cash registers, computers, etc. Try to avoid sharing equipment but if you must, clean it before and after use with a disinfecting /sanitizer spray or wipe.

The Professional Beauty Association has created a special swine flu prevention toolkit to help salon / spa owners protect their premises and patrons from H1N1 flu.